Taj, Aliya, and Arzu have fled their ruined city of Kos in the wake of now Queen Karima's betrayal and violence, eventually ending up in Arzu's home village, where aki (sin-eaters) are revered as public servants. Being honored instead of reviled makes Taj reluctant to turn back to his lost home, until the body count rises so high he realizes he has no choice. While he grapples with his violent feelings, Aliya is trying to survive the gifts of the Unnamed (God) and learning to write the world in algebraic proofs. Together their talents may be enough to overthrow the woman who seems to have harnessed everything evil in nature. Readers will want to start with Beasts Made of Night (2017) to better follow the story line, and the naming conventions are a mouthful at times. Taj continues his first-person narration of this rich stew of street smarts, myth, and almost nonstop action. The tie to mathematics is appealing for STEM programs, although the proofs are figuratively, rather than literally, presented.--Cindy Welch Copyright 2018 Booklist

After having escaped Kos and the clutches of Karima, Taj is on the run.With the help of other aki (sin-eaters) and some Mages, including Aliya, Taj finds himself having to come to terms with the fallout of leaving his city. Karima will do anything, including destroying innocent lives, to find Taj. With each step away from Kos, he learns just how far she is willing to goincluding turning his former best friend, Bo, against him. Grappling with feelings of remorse, survivor's guilt, and conflict over how to use his powers, Taj finds himself at a pivotal crossroadschoose self or choose to fight for one's people. With the help of Arzu, Taj and Aliya make it to a village that has other aki, the tastahlik. Unlike Taj and his ilk in Kos, they are revered for their powers and have honed them to use for selfless and selfish reasons alike. Taj discovers that he can learn how to control and develop his talents, but he must decide what purpose he wants them to serve. Aliya also comes to terms with her own powers, though her path to knowledge and mastery takes a severe toll. Following the lauded Beasts Made of Night (2017), Onyebuchi's tale carries us on a journey of forgiveness, growth, and sacrifice. The action is fast-paced and captivating, but transitions at times feel a bit rushed as a result.A satisfying sequel. (Fantasy. 14-adult) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Sin-eater Taj and mage Aliya (Beasts Made of Night) are on the run. They must make allies and achieve a deeper understanding of their respective powers before they can confront wicked Queen Karima--and Taj's best friend Bo, who is in her thrall. Though somewhat repetitively plotted, this second volume builds on the intriguing world-building and original mythology of its predecessor and brings the story to a satisfying end. (c) Copyright 2019. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.